Humans usually sigh when they feel tired, annoyed and overwhelmed, or even exasperated. But why do dogs sigh? Do they emit this audible sigh because of the same reasons?
In reality, dogs generally sigh when at peace, content, and sometimes angry at not having that walk in the evening or that pet they love from under the couch.
There are instances when a dog’s sigh might signal that something is not right. This article will describe the sound a dog’s sigh can be like, what causes it, and the best time it is appropriate to take the pet to the vet.
Dog Sighs: What Do They Sound Like?
Canines communicate with humans using the use of a range of different vocalizations and behaviors, such as grunting, moaning, whining, and groaning. They also have the option of barking. But sighing isn’t actually an expression of vocalization.
Like humans, this behavior is a loud breathing pattern that is long and long. It differs from breathing in that it isn’t silent and is not the same as panting which is a series of breaths that are short.
Sighing is like low-pitched grunting and moaning which adult dogs and puppies do when they’re relaxed and content, particularly when they lie down on a comfortable, cozy mattress. Moaning, however, is not similar to sighing because it relies on the vocal cords. Sighing is a step further, with the more forceful exhalation of air. A groan can be described as a deep-throated sound, usually made when a pet is in discomfort or suffering.
Sighing in dogs is different from whining dogs that are done by mouth with their mouth shut, to signal that they desire something or communicate fear, pain, or anxiety.
Why Do Dogs Sigh?
It is possible to ask why dogs sigh prior to sleeping or during the drive home after a great day in the park. The primary reason the dogs sigh is to show happiness and relaxation, according to Dr. Amber Karwacki, the partner doctor at Heart and Paw. “Dogs usually do not sigh when they are tired or bored.”
For a mature dog If the sigh appears to be coupled with other sounds like a moan or grunt and Dr. Brian Evans, medical director at Dutch The Netherlands, suggests that it could be a sign that something is going on. That’s why it’s crucial to be aware of certain signs to figure out the reason your dog is crying.
How to Interpret Your Dog’s Sighs
The most effective way to discover the reason your dog is crying is by taking note of the way they move. “A sigh by itself isn’t specific and only gets meaning based on the context of their body language,” Dr. Evans.
Here’s a look at how sighs correlate with the other indicators:
- You will know that you have a happy, content dog when she smiles and sighs without her eyes shut, or when she is laying down or playing with her pet by Dr. Evans.
- If your dog’s eyes are wide and actively If dog’s eyes are wide and alert, the vet Dr. Evans states that the dog is trying to convey that she’s disappointed that they aren’t taking an outing or getting the ball thrown at that moment. It is usually accompanied by the dog’s eyes glowering while looking at the thing of her choice, such as the front door or ball.
- If your dog is exhibiting rigid body posture, ear back, or panting along with the sound of sighing, it may be a sign of discomfort or discomfort according to Dr. Karwacki. The dog may be suffering from discomfort as a result of an uneasy stomach or joint or another health issue. If this is the case it is recommended to have the dog checked by a vet to be sure there’s nothing else more serious going on, like inadvertent discomfort.
- When the sigh becomes an uneasy groan after sitting down and seated, Dr. Evans says, “that could indicate that the process of laying down isn’t comfortable for them and there could be some associated pain from a disease, like arthritis or hip dysplasia.”
When Dog Sighing May Indicate a Problem
If a dog’s sighs seem likely to be nothing to worry about, there could be instances where they might be a sign of an underlying problem. In certain cases, the condition that is causing it may be grave. The majority of the time, these signs can be accompanied by signs of illness, such as fatigue and vomiting, diarrhea, whining, and groaning.
A repeated sigh, as per Dr. Evans, “may be a sign they are actually struggling to breathe and need to be seen immediately by a veterinarian”. Sighing that is this kind of thing can be accompanied by whistling sounds, which indicate that there is inflammation or another issue that can be causing obstruction to the airway in the nasal or throat.
“I have seen dogs in heart failure look like they are sighing every two seconds and that is a very concerning sign,” says Dr. Evans. It is crucial to take your pet to an emergency veterinarian in the event that you observe excessive crying.
